Spotlight on Sarasota
A destination that has everything you need for a fantastic getaway, Sarasota and its islands offer magnificent beaches, charming downtowns, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and beautiful hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. Sarasota’s downtown has an array of urban and arty delights; Siesta Key provides one of the best beaches in America; Longboat Key offers simplicity and leisure; and Lido Key is your source for laid-back elegance.
Know Before You Go: What does “SRQ” mean?
Throughout Sarasota, you’ll see the letters SRQ on just about every banner, sign, and flyer. Locals lovingly refer to the whole of Sarasota and its neighboring Manatee county as SRQ, a nickname which comes from the local airport code.
Let’s Go Downtown!
This Gulf Coast town offers a thriving arts and culture community, as well as unique shopping, historic architecture, and delightful eateries.
At the heart of Sarasota’s vibrant downtown is the Sarasota Opera House, a recently-restored venue that creates the perfect acoustics for live opera. Depart from the world of worries and woes to a magical place where the stories of the opera come alive; a place of kings and queens, heroes and villains, passionate love, intense drama, and the inextinguishable power of the human spirit. In the scale of European opera houses, the Sarasota Opera house is intimate, with fewer than 1,200 seats. The smaller scale creates a more intimate setting and means there is not a bad seat in the house! In addition to being host to many local events, the theater space can also host your next event.
sarasotaopera.org
Perhaps one of the grandest arts and culture attractions in Sarasota is the John and Mable Ringling Museum. The 66 acre estate includes an historic mansion, a rose garden, a circus museum, and the historic Asolo Theatre; plus the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, featuring 21 galleries of European, American, and Asian masterpieces with an international reputation. The grounds have many more surprises such as the secret garden where the circus king himself rests and are free for guests to enjoy. Not only will you have a full day of exploration, but you will no doubt want to plan to take a lot of photos! From the stunning architecture to the unbelievably beautiful grounds and grandiose views of Sarasota Bay, there’s so many photo ops!
ringling.org
The Asolo Theatre, adjacent to The Ringling, is in and of itself another attraction - one suited to fill your evenings with thrilling performances and memorable live shows. An important cultural influence in the Southeastern U.S., the Asolo Repertory Theatre hosts 15 productions every season, spanning a diverse repertoire of newly commissioned plays, bold reinterpretations of contemporary and classical works, and provocative new theatre experiences. Its talented and accomplished resident acting company is complemented by award-winning directors, designers, and guest artists who come to Sarasota from around the country and around the world. The theater is also a host to many important local events throughout the year, and is proud to offer many outreach programs to support the community.
asolorep.org
When searching for some retail therapy, you will find the exquisitely historic Palm Avenue a treasure trove of specialty shops, including some must-see art galleries like Galleria Silecchia, which features an international collection of fine arts and sculptures, or Golden Image, which houses an impressive selection of jewelry, art, and handmade sculptures. Palm Avenue also hosts several events throughout the year, including “Palm Avenue’s First Friday Art Walks” which lets you enjoy gallery openings as you stroll along to the sounds of live musical performances.
palmave.com
Downtown Sarasota also features several art communities, like the colorful and quirky Towles Court, a collection of shops, galleries, and eateries located in a community of historic houses with characteristic pathways amongst the tropical foliage. Stop in at a gallery to meet local artists and find the perfect art piece to take home.
towlescourt.com
When you’re ready to dine, just look around you for incredible, world-class cuisine and a romantic environment. Farm-to-table eats and hand-crafted cocktails abide in an elegantly rustic setting at Boca; the menu changes frequently based on the availability of local produce, dairy, meat, and other fresh ingredients. Enjoy inexpensive beer and fried food while gazing at a priceless view of the Sarasota Bay and city skyline at Olearys, a fabulous Tiki bar loved by locals for happy hour. Just across the marina is Marina Jack, an upscale, seafood-oriented restaurant that also hosts daily sightseeing cruises.
bocasarasota.com
olearystikibar.com
marinajacks.com
One of Sarasota’s most up and coming neighborhoods is the Rosemary District, which has seen the benefits of an ongoing revitalization project resulting in new shops, cafes, condos, and offices. A popular and pet friendly spot, The Overton’s specialty drinks are centered around the notion of pairing quality and accessibility - perfectly illustrated by their cocktails on tap. Concocted of fresh fruit juices, quality liquor, and other carefully thought out ingredients, these cocktails are available by the glass or by the pitcher. If you’re looking for the perfect brunch spot to bring the family, Willow’s Cafe is also pet friendly and well worth a visit, thanks to their hearty menu and cheerful decor. Locally owned and operated, you’ll have the charm of an old fashioned cafe amidst the rush of the Rosemary District.
theovertonsrq.com
willowscafesrq.com
Hotels and inns abound in Sarasota. If you’re looking for something central, Hotel Indigo could be just the place for you. Located in the heart of Sarasota’s Downtown Arts District and filled with pieces from local artists, you will feel right in tune with the local culture. In this unique stay you will feel at home and relaxed in the warm atmosphere but adventure will never be out of reach!
hotelindigo.com
Sun Yourself on Siesta Key
Home to the #1 Beach in America, Siesta Key is a can’t miss for anyone who loves the sunshine!
The shopping at Siesta Key Village will satisfy your beachwear and resort needs (not to mention all the souvenirs you’ll want to commemorate your days in the sun). Beach Bazaar of Sarasota has provided shoppers with the latest swim wear, clothing, and accessories for the past 32 years. CB's Saltwater Outfitters & Boat Rentals is the largest bait and tackle shop on the key, with everything you’ll need for a day out on the water and the top brands in “beach boutique” like Columbia and Quicksilver. With a refreshing beach-town vibe and plenty of seafood joints and Tiki-style bars, you could certainly spend plenty of time in the village. Don’t miss the Siesta Key Famer’s Market, held every Sunday and supplying locals and visitors with fresh produce, sweet treats, handmade apparel and jewelry, and all kinds of unique treasures! siestakeychamber.com
beach-bazaar.com
cbsoutfitters.com
siestafarmersmarket.com
Siesta Key beach is a must-visit for anyone who loves the beach, or the sunshine, or soft sand, or beautiful views (in particular, during sunset). There are so many reasons it’s often considered the #1 beach in the U.S. - such as the warm aquamarine Gulf Coast water and 99% pure crushed quartz sand that is always cool to the touch. Plus the beach is 8 miles long and about 200-300 feet wide in some places, which means people can stretch out and not feel crowded! Third, the gently-sloping beach with small waves and no sudden drop offs make it ideal for swimming, especially for families with small children. Not to mention the cleanliness and amenities are exceptional! There’s really no reason why this beach isn’t popular. Especially loved are the Sunday drum circles, so don’t miss celebrating the setting sun with some local flavor.
visitsarasota.com
Chill out and enjoy some fresh oysters, local beer, and live music at the Siesta Key Oyster Bar - and be sure to check out the crazy decor, including the dollars taped to the ceiling bearing past patrons’ names. Just because you’re on the island doesn’t mean you have to eat seafood! The Hub Baja Grill offers fresh flavors and fabulous cocktails - in fact, The Hub was awarded #1 margarita in Sarasota & Siesta Key by The Sarasota Herald Tribune! Sweet treats await your tastebuds at Big Olaf’s Creamery, which is often so busy that the line for ice cream spills out the door!
skob.com
thehubsiestakey.com
bigolafsiestakey.com
You’ll feel like you’re at your own private beach house when you stay at Siesta Key Beachside Villas, a relaxed and personal destination. It’s been recently renovated to provide all the newest amenities and is steps from the beach and just a short walk from unique shops and restaurants.
siestakeybeachsidevillas.com
Lazy Days on Lido and Longboat Keys
A quick scenic drive over the Ringling Bridge from downtown Sarasota, Lido Key (and the adjoining Longboat Key) offer a unique beach town getaway.
The island’s shopping and dining attractions are anchored in St. Armands Circle, a rotunda of boutiques, specialty stores, cafes, restaurants, bars, and more whose walkways are interspersed with statues and tropical foliage. In the Circle’s center is a park area, which hosts many events throughout the year like art festivals and classic car shows. Shops range from sports memorabilia and collectable photography at Stadium gallery, to top trends and excellent face and body products at The Met Fashion House Day Spa & Salon, to the freshest surf styles at Shore.
thestadiumgallery.com
themetsarasota.com
dineshore.com
When you need to replenish your energy, the dining experiences of Lido Key offer sustenance - and flavor! Surf Shack has a menu full of incredible selections, but they are best known for their specialty tacos. Crab & Fin provides an upscale experience and fine seafood dishes. Daiquiri Deck Lido Key is a more casual seafood option, complete with live music on select nights and, of course, lots of flavors of daiquiris. surfshackkitchen.com
crabfinrestaurant.com
daiquirideck.com
Lido Beach Resort is a luxury destination located just down the road from the shopping and good food of St. Armand’s circle. But with its own private beach, fitness center, two heated swimming pools and multiple eateries, you won’t want to leave!
lidobeachresort.com
Longboat is known to its residents and returning visitors for its championship golf courses at the Longboat Key Club. Consistently rated among the country's finest golf courses, The Resort at Longboat Key Club has earned Golf Digest's prestigious "Best Places to Play" award and continues to serve as Florida's premier golf resort. Test your skills on 45 challenging holes including the tree-lined Harbourside Golf Course that runs along Sarasota Bay and Links of Longboat Course that borders the Gulf of Mexico. Hotel guests can enjoy discounted fees on the course.
longboatkeyclub.com
